At dinner, choose from three dining rooms at Kirby House: K2, an upstairs pizza place; Kirby House, a midrange bar and grill; and Grill Room, a classic steak house.

For 50 years, the town’s colorful Musical Fountain has danced to a fun soundtrack every night after sunset.

Turn in at Harbor House Inn, which has comfy, quaint cottages (from $170).

Day 2

Whether you learn about Lake Michigan in the Gillette Visitors Center, head straight to climbing the dunes or explore P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, a morning exploring the area is enthralling.

The harborside Dockers Fish House and Lounge specializes in lobster rolls and shark tacos.

Master gardeners re-create Monet’s famed gardens at Giverny in The Monet Garden on a once-vacant lot in Muskegon’s historical district.

Engaging tours reveal the impact the USS Silversides had during WWII.

Finish the day with pints of Guinness alongside sliders and traditional Irish fare, such as potato pancakes, at Hennessey’s Irish Pub.

Stay to remember

Though you’ll find some great hotels and B&Bs along the Lake Michigan coast, many travelers choose from the more than 3,500 vacation rentals throughout the area. Options run from simple cottages to million-dollar homes.

The pros: You can find places with plenty of space for groups and an extended stay.

The cons: You often have to pay before you go and need to track down property managers if something goes wrong. To learn more, visit vrbo.com.

Five great places to unwind in Saugatuck

1 Oval Beach Voted one of the world’s best, this fine-sand playground has a wide, deep beach; views of Saugatuck’s original lighthouse; and 282 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead. (269) 857-1701; saugatuck.com/beaches.asp

2 Saugatuck Dune Rides Stomachs jump as trucks dive down the faces of dunes and fishtail through tight curves during the 35-minute ride. (269) 857-2253; saugatuckduneride.com

3 A Culinary Walk Three-hour tours don’t cover more than a half-mile, but in that distance you’ll taste many regional favorites, including Michigan jams and jellies plus Michigan wines. (269) 857-1700; hungryvillagetours.com

5 The Belvedere Inn and Restaurant A 10-guest-room B&B stands on 6 acres just northeast of town. The 1913 Prairie-style mansion has fireplaces in each room and elegant furnishings. From $225. (877) 858-5777; thebelvedereinn.com